Laser flashlights - the technology of the present or the future?
Recent years have been a time of development of technologies that should facilitate and improve human functioning. Of course, changes and the pursuit of new products could not bypass the automotive industry, which is striving for solutions that until recently were unknown or even impossible. Although LED lights have not yet been mastered in the minds of users, there are already manufacturers who use them. laser potential.
German race
The laser lights were presented by two German companies: BMW and Audi. Of course, it was not without a change of priorities, that is, standard dilemmas: who will be the first to put forward an innovative idea. In practice, both brands simultaneously applied an innovative solution, by installing laser diodes in the headlights of their cars. It is not for us to dwell on who actually was the forerunner, let history check it out. The new R8 model, designated the R8 LMX, was preferred by Audi, while BMW added lasers to the i8 hybrid model.
OSRAM innovative
Modern supplier laser diodes from OSRAM... The laser diode it produces is a type of light emitting diode (LED), but it is much smaller and much more efficient than a conventional LED diode. Laser lights work by emitting 450 nanometers of blue light, which is then focused into a single beam using mirrors and lenses mounted inside the reflector. The focused light is then directed to a special transducer that changes blue and white light with a color temperature of 5500 Kelvin... This makes the emitted brightness less eye-tiring and allows the human eye to better distinguish between contrasts and shapes. According to the manufacturers of laser innovations, the lifespan of these lights is equal to the lifespan of the vehicle.
Safer and more efficient
Laser diodes are much smaller and more powerful than standard LEDs. Miniature dimensions - for example, used in BMW laser diode has a surface 0,01 mm2! – they give a lot of space to stylists and car designers. In addition to this, there is also very little power - only 3 watts.. Despite their small size, laser diodes provide excellent illumination of the road - cut the darkness for more than half a kilometer! It is also worth adding that the light they emit, which has a color similar to the color of the sun, makes them "friendly" to the eyes and thus increases safety, especially when driving at night. Besides laser lighting consumes less energy and generates little heat, which makes it easier to cool the entire headlight. German engineers say that laser lights not only increase the safety of the riderbut also the surroundings. This is due to the fact that the beam of blue laser light is not directed directly in front of the car, but is first converted in such a way as to emit white, safe light.
Laser vs LED
As mentioned, laser diodes are smaller and more efficient than conventional LEDs. BMW engineers report that the nature of the light emitted by the lasers allows a beam with an intensity of up to a thousand times more than the LEDs in use today. In addition, LEDs with a power of one watt can emit a light beam with a brightness of 100 lumens, and LASERS - up to 170 lumens.
Price and features
Laser lights are currently not available for sale. So far, only two limited-edition manufacturers have decided to implement this solution. The surcharge for a car with this system, in the case of the BMW i8, is over PLN 40. That's a lot, but the whole technology is still innovative and has not yet been used by other car manufacturers. Of course though Laser lights are the future of automotive lighting.
If you are looking for solutions to measure the power and efficiency of lasers, be sure to check out other products from the company that creates the laser lights of the future - OSRAM company... In our store you will get a large selection of the manufacturer's assortment, incl. ultra efficient and powerful xenon lamps Xenark Cold Blue Intense or the innovative range of halogen lamps Night Breaker LASER +, which are characterized by laser ablation technology.
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